Tourism chiefs have vowed that Angus and the north-east will not be the forgotten land of a new national tourism strategy.
The VisitScotland pledge comes after the agency came under attack over a perceived lack of interest in what Angus can offer to the nation’s tourism product, amid claims that areas away from the main “honeypot” destinations have to fight much harder to plead their case for promotion and support.
In a response to a draft development plan consultation taking place, Angus Council officials and elected members said they had struggled to find reference to the county or the infrastructure which carries visitors from across the globe to, and then through, the district.
Angus Council chief executive Richard Stiff highlighted the absence of any mention of Dundee airport, the A92 through Angus or the main east coast rail line as a draft plan failing.
He also criticised the document for failing to reflect the aspirations of Angus Council and its partners to boost tourist numbers.
The council feeling was swiftly echoed in comments from the dean of Arbroath’s historic Guildry and the leader of the town’s Abbey Action group, each highlighting the significant tourism attributes of the burgh and wider Angus, particularly in relation to the important, and sizeable, US market.
VisitScotland regional director Jim Clarkson has now responded to the Angus claims with an assurance that the county’s comments will be taken on board.
“VisitScotland welcomes Angus Council’s aspiration to grow the region’s visitor economy,” said Mr Clarkson.
“Tourism is essential to the economy of Angus and good infrastructure and transport links are vital in ensuring that this important industry continues to grow and develop in the region.
“There is significant scope to grow visitor numbers in Angus and improved rail, air and road links will not only enhance and lengthen the visitor experience, but also encourage repeat visits in the future.
“It is important to remember that the Tourism Development Plan is at draft stage and this consultation process is essential in ensuring the final strategy is robust.
“The document has been sent to local authorities and stakeholders and to date we have received over 80 responses which will ensure the final strategy is ‘fit for purpose’ across all regions,” he added.
“Feedback from all interested parties including Angus Council is important and clearly the transport infrastructure in the North-East is a very pressing issue and it is vital that this is factored into the long term Tourism Development Plan.”
“VisitScotland’s current domestic marketing campaign for Angus is delivered in conjunction with Angus Council and targets the domestic market, promoting not just the region’s outstanding golf destinations but also its history and heritage, local food and drink, the Angus glens and the wider natural landscape and wildlife to tie in with the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.”
Among the other areas of the draft strategy highlighted by council chief executive Mr Stiff was the “where to stay” section, which the official said was focused on city centre locations and did not feature the East coast North of St Andrews.
The Angus response has highlighted the proposed five-star hotel and golf course at Kingennie, as well as flagging up scope for accommodation development in Arbroath, Forfar and Brechin.